England's Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Post to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's qualifications: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were looking for,” she continued.
The Task Ahead
Bay FC had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of several players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for their replacements is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.
